Roberto Baggio’s career in football is filled with both triumph and difficulty, making it a story that will be remembered for years.
Baggio’s time in the sport is marked by brilliance and drama, showcasing his talent at Italy’s top clubs.
This latest entry in our 90s Hitmen series tells the story of Il Divin Codino. He rose to become one of Italy’s greatest players and a key figure of the decade.
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Baggio’s journey almost ended before it started due to a serious knee injury that raised concerns about his future in football.
He began at Caldogno before moving to Vicenza, where his talent led to a senior debut at just 15. In the 1984/85 season, he scored 14 goals, attracting attention from bigger clubs.
Fiorentina signed Baggio for £1.5m, a significant amount for a teenager with only one full season of lower-division play.
Tragedy hit just days after he joined; he suffered a severe knee injury. Despite fears for his career, Fiorentina honored the contract.
This decision proved wise. Baggio worked hard in rehabilitation, returning to score crucial goals that helped save Fiorentina from relegation.
He quickly made his mark in Serie A, becoming one of the league’s most exciting players while dressed in Fiorentina’s purple kit.
Over his last two seasons in Florence, he scored 43 goals, helping the team reach the UEFA Cup final, though they lost to Juventus.
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The second leg of that match led to riots, and just two days later, fans learned of Baggio’s transfer to Juventus, resulting in outrage.
The deal, driven by Fiorentina’s financial issues, angered fans who felt betrayed by both the club and the player.
Baggio’s move from Fiorentina to Juventus was a painful chapter in a long-standing rivalry.
After representing Italy in the 1990 World Cup and impressively scoring against Czechoslovakia, Baggio faced an adjustment period in his new role. Despite Juventus finishing seventh in his first season, he still scored 27 goals.
On this day in 1990, Roberto Baggio scored this beauty vs Czechoslovakia.
“Oh yes, oh yes. OH YES!” pic.twitter.com/oN9xm16trj
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) June 19, 2021
Things didn’t go smoothly as he faced criticism during a match against Fiorentina, when he declined to take a penalty. His gesture of picking up a Fiorentina scarf did not win over Juventus supporters.
Football fans can be quick to change their opinions, and soon Baggio’s skills earned him appreciation in Turin.
In the following seasons, Baggio truly shined, consistently scoring 20+ goals while playing a free role behind the strikers.
He was instrumental in Juventus’s UEFA Cup victory in the 1992/93 season, scoring key goals in the semi-finals and final.
His exceptional performances earned him the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year titles.
Having almost lost his career early on, Baggio reached the pinnacle of football. Criticism for his role in Italia ’90 faded as he became Italy’s star player at the 1994 World Cup.
A defining moment came when he missed a penalty in the final against Brazil, overshadowing his earlier brilliant performances in the tournament.
After a tough group stage, Baggio excelled in the knockout rounds, scoring decisive goals against Nigeria, Spain, and Bulgaria.
Nevertheless, his penalty miss became a lasting image, defining his World Cup experience.
Success followed domestically with a Serie A and Coppa Italia double for Juventus, marking an end to a long trophy drought, even as Baggio struggled with injuries.
His injury struggles coincided with Alessandro del Piero’s rise, leading to Baggio’s departure to AC Milan, where he initially thrived but faced conflicts with coaches.
After two years, Baggio moved to Bologna, where he had a fantastic season, scoring a career-high 22 league goals and earning a spot in Italy’s squad for the 1998 World Cup.
Though he scored twice in the tournament, Italy lost on penalties against France, marking a disappointing end.
Later joining Inter Milan proved frustrating due to injuries and a tense relationship with coach Lippi, but he had a standout moment by scoring twice against Parma to secure Champions League qualification.
Despite a string of injuries, he signed with Brescia, where he continued to perform consistently for four seasons.
After nearly two decades and against all odds, he retired amid applause during a match at San Siro.
Baggio’s story is rich and complex, showcasing a player who brought magic to Serie A and overcame significant challenges to become one of the world’s best.
Read Also – 90s Hitmen: One of the game’s most iconic boy wonders, Patrick Kluivert
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